iSchool students learned more about campus and each other at the second annual iSchool Scavenger Hunt. The event, which was held September 3-10, was open to on-campus students in all programs. Students who opted to participate were placed in small groups of peers in the same degree program. Students were given a list of ten campus locations to find, such as the Alma Mater, Morrow Plots, and Main Library. In addition to checking a point of interest off their lists, the students would take a group selfie at the spot.
"I hope students were able to enjoy meeting their peers in a social activity outside of the classroom setting," said Academic Advisor Katelyn Talbott, who organized the event. "Plus, as this may be the first time on campus for new and even second-year students, I hope they were able to explore new places and make new friends."
In the week following the scavenger hunt, people voted on their favorite group selfies, with the top selfies earning iSchool-branded giveaways. This year's winners included the Alma Mater Group, composed of MS/LIS students Jenna Courtade, Katherine Majewski, and Rebecca Stover, and the Hallene Gateway Group, including PhD students Clara Belitz, Frank Stinar, and Andrew Zalot.
"I haven't had much time to explore since I arrived in August. I definitely learned that campus is a LOT bigger than I thought it was," said Stinar, who admits that his favorite place on campus is anywhere that serves coffee. "I also learned that the PhD program has some very interesting and nice people in it."
Student Affairs will build on the success of the scavenger hunt by joining the campus in celebrating Graduate Student Appreciation Week from October 25-29.
"During this time, staff and faculty show gratitude to our students through messages, giveaways, workshops, etc. These types of events are important to ensure that each individual student feels part of the iSchool community," said Talbott.